The Bible says in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God loves you more than you can ever imagine.

2. THE BAD NEWS

All of us have done, said or even thought things that are wrong. These bad things are called sin. Our sins have separated us from God.

The Bible says in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;.” God is perfect and holy, and the penalty or wages of our sin is separation from God forever. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death.”

If you have a job you hopefully also receive a wage or payment for your work. The same goes with our sin. The Bible says that the penalty or wage for our sin is death or separation from God.

The Good News happened over 2,000 years ago and can change your life today.

3. THE GOOD NEWS

God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a perfect, sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. In Romans 5:8 the Bible says “But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”.

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in Heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life — of living forever with Him in heaven if we trust Him as our Lord and Savior. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 “…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life in heaven is a free gift. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.”

God reaches out in love to you now and wants you to be His child. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name.” You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Saviour.

4. TRUST IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

If you want to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can ask Him to be your Saviour and Lord by praying a prayer like this.

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I confess that I am a sinner and have sinned against you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I trust what you did on the cross to pay for my sin and I accept your free gift of eternal life.”

The Bible says in Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

A boy had reached four without giving up the habit of sucking his thumb, though his mother had tried everything from bribery to reasoning to painting it with lemon juice to discourage the habit.

Finally she tried threats, warning her son that, “If you don’t stop sucking your thumb, your stomach is going to blow up like a balloon.”

Later that day, walking in the park, mother and son saw a pregnant woman sitting on a bench. The 4-year-old considered her gravely for a minute, then spoke to her saying, “Uh-oh…I know what you’ve been doing.”

MAN AND WIFE FUNNY

In a morning Bible study, a group of women were studying how to live in a loving relationship with your husband. The women were asked, “How many of you love your husbands?”

All the women raised their hands.

Then they were asked, “When was the last time you told your husband you loved him?”

A few women answered today, some said yesterday, and some didn’t remember.

The women were then asked to take their phones and send the text message, “I love you, sweetheart.”

After a few minutes, the women were asked to exchange phones and read aloud the responding text messages.

Here are some of the replies:

1. Who is this?

2. Uh, mother of my children, are you sick?

3. I love you too.

4. What now? Did you wreck the car again?

5. I don’t understand what you mean.

6. What did you do now?

7. ?!!???

8. Don’t beat about the bush, just tell me how much you need?

9. Am I dreaming?

10. If you don’t tell me who this message is actually for, someone will die.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you” – Proverbs 25:21-22

Before you start looking for ways you can help that guy at work who stole your great marketing idea, let’s look at what the result of such action might be. If you feed your enemy when he’s hungry or give him water when he’s thirsty, you will “heap burning coals on his head” (Proverbs. 25:22).

All right, you might be thinking. I don’t know how this works, but that’ll show him. That will make him feel as much pain as he’s caused me.

But wait. You’re missing the point. This reference to coals of fire doesn’t have anything to do with hurting someone by burning him. Rather, it has to do with the smelting of iron ore. As such, the coals are not used to inflict painful punishment on the person who has wronged you; they are used to soften his heart and remove ihe dross from his character. Stated another way, “Love poured out in return for hatred will be what the burning coals are to the ore: it will melt and purify.”15

How does this happen? When we are kind to people who mistreat us, we shock them into seeing their own shame. We teach them a lesson that could never be achieved if we had tried to seek revenge. “Such action is die noblest of all because k succeeds in saving the enemy while it destroys his enmity.”16

Our action may not achieve results overnight. Things may get worse before they get better. In fact, there’s no 100-percent guarantee that the situation may change at all. But we will change. Love and hatred cannot coexist. If we are actively seeking to show love to someone, there will be no room in our hearts for the bit­terness and resentment we felt toward him previously. On top of that, God will reward us for our efforts (w. 22). What more could we want?

For three centuries the early Christians were severely persecuted by the Roman state; but in the first years of the fourth century there was a dramatic and fundamental change: no longer persecuted, they became Constantine’s favourite as he claimed that the Christian god had enabled him to beat his rival for the imperial throne. Emperor Constantine’s reign – he claimed to be a Christian – marked a dangerous transformation. Christianity effectively became the official religion of the Empire. Persecution was over, but the Emperor’s patronage and favour meant that the whole nature of the Church changed and many became mere nominal believers. Put bluntly, an organism became an organisation and an arm of the state. It is no exaggeration to claim that, although persecution did not destroy the new faith, patronage did so by destroying its transforming power. Lively charismatic assemblies were replaced by formal, liturgical services presided over by costumed clergy and, even worse, natural ability replaced spiritual power. Sometimes civic functionaries slipped into office as priests and even bishops.

Even when Roman rule collapsed in the West, in the late fifth century, the name changed but rule passed to the Papacy, effectively still an empire, and Rome’s control lasted for a thousand years until the early sixteenth century with the dawn of the Reformation and subsequently the establishment of more democratic, egalitarian and biblical churches. Happily, in our own age, from the nineteen sixties and the accession of the avuncular John XXIII, the Roman Church has undergone profound changes: it now regards other churches as separated brethren and not heretics; the name chosen by the new pontiff, Francis, surely epitomises a new spirit and a return to the kind of fellowship desired by the founder Jesus of Nazareth. Pope Francis, as I write, has urged his new cardinals to be champions of the people, very much in the pattern of his hero Francis of Assisi.

Surely it is the time and signal for all who are disciples of Jesus to work and pray together to resist secularism and militant atheism and promote the kingdom of God – true ecumenism – rather than competing churches. That is my prayer for 2014.

HE may be a coach for the Delhi Daredevils cricket team in the Indian Premier League, but Eric Simons would prefer to be called an angel.

The 51-year-old former South African international is a committed Christian who says his faith helps him through life’s highs and lows.

He said: “I grew up in a Christian family where the Lord was very important in our family. Becoming a Christian is a personal thing and it is a commitment that one makes, and I made that personal commitment as an 18 year old.

EXPLORING

“I started growing as a Christian in my varsity years when I started questioning Christianity and exploring it more and more. Your faith needs to be a practical thing and relevant in everyday life.

“Christianity is a relationship; it helps guide you through the highs and lows of life. It doesn’t make life any easier but it certainly helps to have someone to turn to when you need advice and guidance. Hav­ing a faith gives a meaning to life that helps you keep things in perspective.”

Yesterday we enjoyed the visit of Debra and Frank Green from ROC (Redeeming Our Communities).

Debra shared with us from a very familiar passage – Isaiah 61:1-4 God is in the business of transforming lives. As we journey that discovery ourselves, in turn, the two-fold demonstration of God’s blessing and our example affects those around us.

DIVINE EXCHANGE – God’s best, is substituted in the place of our circumstances, whatever shape or form they make take. We experience the reality of what we cannot see – faith at work. Ever had one of those days? Divine Exchange is the gift that enables us to see victory in the midst of our difficulties. Why? Because the exchange has already been made, it’s ours to embrace and enjoy now, gifted to us at Calvary.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES:

The word “ashes” encompasses everything that could possibly go wrong. It indicates a sense of failure, despair or sorrow. Overwhelmed and with nowhere to turn, your back is against the wall and you feel no one is listening. Beauty, on the other hand, symbolises hope and promise. The hope? “Christ in us.” The promise? “I will never leave or forsake you.”

OIL OF GLADNESS FOR THE SPIRIT OF MOURNING:

Oil – the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Oil Soothes, heals and helps things to move smoothly in our often overworked and complicated lives. Our Father takes our difficulties, trials and sorrows and turns them into the unspeakable joy that is our strength. Our cup truly overflows!

GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF DESPAIR:

When we praise Him, grateful for the blessings we experience in our lives (sometimes despite evidence to the contrary), God can move. We become channels of hope, good news and joy. If our hearts are broken with our Father’s heart for people, His promise is to weave gold into the ordinary and mundane black and whiteness of life.

I’m reminded of an extract from the Poem “God knows” by Minnie Louise Haskins:

“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown”. And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

With our hand in His, and without knowing the way, we can bring the God of Divine Exchange to a community who desperately need him. Will you join us in the privilege?

An Elim ladies’ group has been challenged by the powerful testimony of a Sikh girl set free after years of torture by her own family.

Women of Faith, run by Yeovil Elim, met at a local hotel in September to hear Raj Jarrett recall the horrific abuse she suffered. Despite praying to gods, things only ever went wrong, she explained,

But life dramatically changed as she found herself attending church and eventually she ac­cepted Christ into her life.

Raj, now a happily-married mother and a church leader, has seen her biography, The Only Arranged Marriage’, help thousands of battered women across Britain and Europe.

Women of Faith was delighted to welcome Raj and is planning similar events in the future. The group started two years ago but recently changed its name. Leader Nina Stone said, “The new name is felt to more accurately reflect the true purpose of the group in bringing women together in fellowship, who have a heart for God, and a desire to seek and know his will and purpose for their lives,”

Fortnightly meetings are interspersed with ‘bring and buy’ sales, and money for charities, including Somerset Hospice, Help for Heroes and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, has been raised. The group of about 20 welcomes women from all denominations in the area.

“Our vision remains to encourage and equip all women step out in their individual gifts,” Nina added.

BANNER: Abanner is described as a rectangular flag, ensign or standard bearing some crest and words which groups, clans or armies adopted and rallied to when summoned to in times of celebration, crisis or conflict. Such were regarded as being very important in the conduct of a people’s equipment In times of peace and war. They had to be raised and unfurled with definite purpose and intention. They had a message to acclaim and a cause to advance. They had a great, significant role to play in the life of the people.

GOD’S PEOPLE:Israel of old were called upon by God to use ensigns and banners -Numbers.2: 2,3Each tribe had to have its own crest and banner to which they had to live and march under. it must have been quite a sight to have witnessed 2/3 million people dwelling and moving under their respective standards.

In coming out of Egypt they would not be very organized but God introduced essential disciplines amongst them in order to make them feel somebody and to make them a threat to oppositions that stood In the way. He addressed this situation so that they could rise and take on what was before them with confi­dence and expectation. This people were to become an invincible, divine army ready for combat and conquest. In the words of Song of Solomon 5: 4,15 “Awesome as an army with banners.”

“Roman soldiers used ensigns for signaling in battle. Occasionally they used oils to perfume them and decorated them with flowers. Jews considered these ensigns to have a spiritual quality that was offensive. Nowadays, we do not regard ceremonial objects as the Jews or Romans did in centuries gone by, but we can learn a lot bv understanding how people revered banners in Biblical times.

When exiled in Egypt, the Hebrews had no banner and were anonymous, unorganized and without distinction. As slaves they had no identification, no flags, and no rights. When the tribes finally escaped, it was as refugees united only in huddled fear – a mixed rabble. Only Moses and Aaron kept them together, and even then some of them probably suspected them of being religious fanatics. However, the families clung to each other for mutual support. The first few days were critical.

“Then murderous bands of Amalekite plunderers began to harry their flanks, picking off stragglers and stripping them of their meager belongings. Joshua had to muster what men and arms he could. It was a pitiful show since they did not have so much as a rag raised on a pole to rally them. However Moses had his own bare hands to raise to the God of Heaven, and the Amalekites were routed. Moses said, “Hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation” – Exodus 17:16” – R. Bonnke

CHURCH CALLING:The Church of Christ Is represented as many things within the NT. She is referred to as a family, building, body, city and bride. Each conveying particular truths of spiritual significance. But another view of her Is that of a divine army. Each Christian is called into military service and Is on active duty as a soldier of Christ. Each one is expected to be strong, to take the whole armour that has been divinely provided and to stand against all the opposition of evil and win – Ephesians 5:11-25. There are flags and ensigns of a divine order that need to be brought out and raised so that they can be unfurled and allowed to fly under the wind of the Holy Spirit.

The banners have got to be standards of truth. What is on them is of Importance “You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth” – Psalm 60: 4. it is because of the truth it must be displayed and it is the truth that must be displayed. There is nothing false or fabricated to be on the banners. Everything of a divine character is to be placed on them so that all may have faith. They are to be banners that create great inspiration, that can be waved with enthusiasm and skill and which create a spiritual response in the situation, whether in celebration or warfare.

The psalmist uses the term ‘banners’ in the plural – Ps.25: 5. This reveals that they had more than one and with many great themes and messages an them. See the use of banners In the move in Pensecola. Great sight in the march of witness Rotherham with all the churches.

What I would like to see. All the Salvationists with all their bands and banners and believers marching as one the Church caught up as a whole with this revelation and inspiration.

What are the banners to be lifted up on high in the ranks of Christendom?

1/. THE BANNER OF THE LORD – Exodus 17

This is the first time the word banner is used and it is in connection with the altar that was raised in thanksgiving for the victory that had been given vvl5. Not only was the LORD to be Jehovah Nissi on that occasion. This was to be the trend that had to be set for all that was to be. He was to be set up as the ensign and standard in the midst of them. A banner made and placed in a prominent situation would set the tone and be an apt reminder who was amongst them. It was to be a banner of the LORD to the LORD.

They needed to have this focus before them continually. His Lordship was to be a critical factor in their faith and their future. if they lost it here they lost it everywhere. It was His Lordship that was to be in the ascendancy in the forthcoming days and they were called upon to place their confidence in this truth. Much would ensue that would seek to challenge this banner of truth but truth would prevail. They were expected to march and fight under the ensign of His Lordship, the ever existing LORD – Jehovah.

No less is true of NT Christianity. The truth to be grasped, believed and raised on high centres on Christ’s Lordship. He is seen in His position – Acts 2: 33,35. Christ is to be seen as possessing all authority and power – Matt. 28:18 and that all will have to bow to Him and His rule – Phil. 2:11,11. it is anticipated that under His Lordship and leadership victory after victory should be known. it is to be a trail of triumph. Once His Lordship is revealed and established It is expected there will be a constant succession of victories. There is a need to raise not only the banner FOR but TO the LORD. This Is what the early Church did and so experienced huge success. When there is a rallying to Him there comes the sense and power of His presence and leadership. The great theme of the Infant Church was – He Is LORD” and it is unchanging I He is LORD of all.

“Our banner is no mere arbitrary artistic design, but the Lord Himself, visible to all, riveted to that wooden “pole”, exhibiting for ever His unrestrained love, the living banner of a dying Saviour. We set Him forth, the crucified One and through Him we conquer.”

“Paul seems to have been thinking in such terms when he wrote, “Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified – Galatians 3:1. He uses a word based on the Greek grapho – ‘to write” or ‘to inscribe” It has been translated “to placard” The Cross of Christ is the sign writing of Almighty God on the billboards of history.” R. Bonnke

It is quite significant that this people of former times had to march and fight under one named Joshua or Je-hoshua. Jehovah Is my salvation. His name was significant and represented the divine title amongst them and served to be the ensign for future battles and triumphs. They were to know salvation on a glorious scale. Of course, Joshua had his own personal encounter with the true leader in Josh. 5: 13-15 50 and he was not likely to forget who was directing operations and effecting salvation and victory. Salvation belongs to the LORD.

Allied to this is the matter of righteousness. Elsewhere the LORD is named, Jehovah Tsidkenu the LORD our righteousness. It was essential to live under His righteousness. God chose them by His love, grace and favour and not because of any personal worth or merit in them. He was to make them righteous and to abide under His righteousness so that He could bless them and forward His name and glory through them. As they did so they would know His continual favour and fullness of blessing.

Jesus saves and makes righteous is the theme of the Christian Church. We are saved from sin, self and Satan through Jesus and are made right through His righteous worth, He, Jesus, is the believer’s justification, which means being made just by the Just One in a just way. In Jesus is our salvation and justification – I Corinthians 1: 30; Romans 4, into the life that has been saved and justified by Jesus comes and flows the immeasurable goodness of God.

3/. THE BANNER OF OUR PROVISION – Genesis 17:1:22:14

Twice the LORD reveals Himself to Abraham with the assurance and testimony that He was the All-Sufficient One with the capacity to provide. This was the faith that Abraham had in the LORD and was at up as a banner within his life and being. It was the conviction that made all the difference to his relationship with God and his future.

In the first instance, the LORD spoke and said, “I Am Almighty God.” This in Hebrew signified El Shaddai which being Interpreted means ‘the many breasted God’ and expresses His ability to sustain all life, Here was the assurance that the Lord would be able entirely and at all times personally minister into all of his life’s needs and situations.

“The root emphasizes God’s might over against the frailty of man. In Genesis it is used particularly insituations where people are hard-pressed and need assurance “ – Genesis 17: 1 Spirit Filled Bible

The next instance is in the offering up of Isaac Genesis 22: 14 where Abraham discovered the truth In reality – Jehovah Jireh. The ram in the thicket was no accident but a providence. Throughout his pilgrimage he found that God lived up to this title and so could raise it. He provided promises and fulfilled them.

Our assurance is Philippians 4:19. This is the ensign to be over our lives and situations.

4/. THE BANNER OF OUR HEALING – Exodus 15: 2

This is a very wonderful banner that has to be fulfilled, .raised, unfurled and allowed to blow in the wind and in the Church of Christ. Jehovah Rophekah is the One who is the Healer and gives the healing. The word means to cure, heal, repair, restore health.

The backcloth of this is in relation to God’s people coming to the place called Marah v23, known as the place of bitterness. Discovering water there they thought their thirst and need would be met. How deluded and disappointed they were and this led to discouragement ! Through divine Intervention and action the waters were miraculously cured and the promise was given which should have turned into a banner for all their Marah experiences I

Moses had a number of Marah experiences – 17:4; Numbers12; Jacob and Joseph both had their bitter experiences; Job, David, Naomi, Peter etc. The important thing is to see the divine cure coming into each life and condition.

5/. THE BANNER OF OUR PEACE – Judges 8:24

This was the banner that Gideon was called to lift and exalt – Jehovah Shalom -the LORD our Peace. This was a discovery he was to make at a time of intense crisis nationally.

There was certainly no peace around from the nation’s standpoint. There was a state of utter unrest due to the Invasion of the Midianites. Their existence was threatened and God did not appear to be around to help them. The situation needed to be changed and so an angel was sent.

This seemed to make matters worse for him. First of all calling him a mighty man of valour and then demonstrating angelic powers he felt somewhat in pieces v22. But the LORD comes with a word of peace and Gideon was ready to build an sitar. This title was to bring composure, assurance and the hope of better times of prosperity for his people. It was necessary for him to set up this ensign in his being and life and to Institute a reign of peace for forty years – 8: 28.

This word was to become the Jewish greeting – Shalom I It was purposed to be a benediction, a virtual spiritual banner to hang over and blow over the whole nation. The same can be said for the NT Church. Peace is to be a prevailing sign and experience –c.f. Philippians 4:17.

CONCLUSION

The LORD expects us to have a clear, unfolding revelation of Himself, His Name and all that His name stands for and is related to. This is why He has given the Scriptures and made known the particular revelations to people of past generations. We now live in a more perfect and fuller understanding of Himself and His capabilities.

It is imperative that these standards be raised and that all Christendom live under the realization of the truths proclaimed and in such there will be outstanding victories and testimonies.

Micah had to face the fact of the presence of false prophets in his day. One of the things to be contested was the existence and exercise of these persons who did not do the people any good. However, it would seem that this was the kind of messengers that they wanted and listened to – 2:11. They certainly did not want to listen or hearken to true words coming as from a messenger of Jehovah -2:6,7. The false ones that were amongst them were only interested in their own ends – 3: 5-7. The Lord predicts what their future and end will be. But Micah truly asserts his own position amidst this climate.

1/. HE IS DIVINELY AND AUTHENTICALLY INSPIRED – 3: 8

He is personally and deeply conscious of the anointing of God’s Spirit in his being and aware that he is God’s true messenger to the people. There was the rich token of God’s presence and the prophet felt it in a powerful fashion. No uncertainty exists on this front as the quickening life of God flows in and through him. He could not do otherwise but confess the inspiration that was resident and at work within him. Jesus Christ could equally say the same as He commenced His dynamic and prophetic ministry – Luke 4: 18. This is what makes the difference and authenticates messenger and message.

2/. HE IS POSSESSED WITH A SENSE OF JUSTICE AND STRENGTH – 3: 8

A sense of divine righteousness possesses his mind and heart and he is strong in his convictions and assertions. He is not ignorant of what righteousness is all about and what should be the standard creed and conduct for God’s people to be embracing and evidencing. If he is to have a cutting edge upon his ministry then he must know in his own life and exercise the holy standard required by the Lord and act accordingly, 1f he has to stand before the people to declare righteousness There must be weakness on this front.

3/. HE IS COMMITTED TO PROCLAIMING THE TRUTH – 3: 8-11

He evidences fearlessness, ready to point out the wickedness of rulers, leaders, priests, prophets and priests. There is no sweeping under the carpet but a total exposure of what is basically wrong all around. There is to be no cover up policy but a bringing to light of all the current evils. Sin and sinners are not to be countenanced and given credence. He is prepared to give a complete exposure and declare there position to be untenable.

4/. HE IS READY TO DECLARE THE ULTIMATE RESULT – 3: 12

He has a clear insight from the Lord as to what is going to occur and it is not very pleasant. Mount Zion will be ploughed up, become a heap of rubble and a forest will grow where the Temple has been. There will be nothing left of people or place. The glory and the grandeur will all be gone and the true prophetic voice and word fulfilled. All the false will be seen for what it was – vain.

“Nothing is so easy as to deceive oneself; for what we wish, we readily believe” – Demosthenes

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is a beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is life, fight for it!” – Mother Teresa

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, un-forgiveness, selfishness, and fears” – Glenn Clark

“When we extend ourselves to another human being in any way at all, when we positively touch the life of one person, we benefit the whole of humanity” –Gail Pursell Elliott

“There is all the difference in the world between treating people equally and attempting to make them equal” – F.A. Hayek

“Accept everything about yourself mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end no apologies, no regrets” –Clark Moustakas